The Art Deco Era

I’ve always been drawn to the designs of the Art Deco era. The movement began in the early 20th century, officially gaining popularity after the 1925 Exposition Internationale des Arts Décoratifs et Industriels Modernes in Paris, where the style was shown on a grand scale. 

This blog delves into the major elements of Art Deco design and materials as well as some media from the era and modern media that is inspired by its core elements.

Art Deco Design Elements

The 1920s were a time of bold innovation and glamor. Drawing inspiration from French designers like Jean Puiforcat and René Lalique, and ancient Egypt, Africa, and Asia, Art Deco jewelry and art embraced luxury. Designers melded geometric shapes and symmetrical patterns with lavish materials like platinum and diamonds.  

Art Deco Egyptian Dancers Perfume Burner by René Lalique, 1926

"Literary Song, The Trouble with Bright Eyes", 1929 - Artist Unknown

Brass female head, 1920 by Franz Hagenauer

An iconic location showcasing Art Deco architecture is the Griffith Observatory in Los Angeles. Designed by architects John C. Austin and Frederick M. Ashley, the observatory was completed in 1935. Used in more than 35 films, the observatory has inspired artists for nearly 100 years. 

One of the first pieces of media filmed at the observatory was "The Phantom Empire" (1935). The serial has 12 episodes and embodies Art Deco through its futuristic underground city of Murania, featuring sleek, geometric architecture and advanced technology like robots and rayguns. 

Here's a selection of films that have featured the observatory:

The Phantom Empire (1935)

Dick Tracy Returns (1938)

Rebel Without a Cause (1955)

War of the Colossal Beast (1958)

The Spy with My Face (1964)

The Split (1968)

Midnight Madness (1980)

The Terminator (1984)

Back to the Future (1985)

The Rocketeer (1991)

The People vs. Larry Flynt (1996)

Queen of the Damned (2002)

Transformers (2007)

La La Land (2016)

Under the Silver Lake (2018)

Common Jewelry Materials

Art Deco jewelry made extensive use of materials that reflected the era's desire for luxury and everything modern. Platinum became a favorite metal for its strength, which allowed for delicate, intricate designs that wouldn’t tarnish. Diamonds, often used in geometric cuts like baguettes and emeralds, emphasized the clean lines and sharp angles of the Art Deco style. 

Black onyx added dramatic contrast, enhancing the bold, monochromatic look typical of the period. These materials combined to create striking, high-contrast pieces that embodied the elegance and sophistication of the Art Deco movement.

Bold colors like deep blues, greens, and reds were often paired with contrasting materials like platinum, black onyx, and bright diamonds, creating striking visual effects. These elements were inspired by a mix of influences, including ancient Egyptian motifs, industrial progress, and a desire for streamlined elegance, making Art Deco jewelry both artistic and architectural.

Iconic Art Deco

Some of the most iconic Art Deco jewelry pieces include striking designs from renowned houses like Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels, and Tiffany & Co. Cartier’s Tutti Frutti collection, characterized by colorful gemstones carved in floral motifs, embodied the era’s fascination with exoticism. Famous Art Deco pieces frequently incorporated architectural influences, creating wearable works of art that remain highly sought after today.

Some of the most famous films from the Art Deco era that reflected the style’s glamor and modernity include 

• Metropolis (1927)
• Grand Hotel (1932)
• 42nd Street (1933)
• Top Hat (1935)

Art Deco Continues to Inspire

The Art Deco era’s bold designs, innovative use of materials, and luxurious aesthetic continue to influence jewelry, fashion, and interior design today. Its geometric patterns, striking contrasts, and timeless elegance resonate with modern tastes, making Art Deco pieces as popular now as they were nearly a century ago. 

Art Deco's influence is evident in various creative fields in the 2020s. Designers like Boucheron continue to draw inspiration from Art Deco in their jewelry collections. In film, movies like The Great Gatsby (2013) and Babylon (2022) showcase Art Deco’s aesthetic, highlighting its lavish architecture and fashion. 

Music like Lana Del Rey’s “Art Deco,” from her 2015 album Honeymoon and The ArchAndroid album by Janelle Monáe features Art Deco-inspired visuals, blending vintage glamor with modern musical technology. 

Whether through vintage pieces or contemporary designs inspired by the era, Art Deco remains a symbol of sophistication and artistic expression. Discover the distinct style of Art Deco jewelry and add a touch of classic glamor to your collection.

Explore louisetreesjewels.com for beautifully curated vintage jewelry.

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